Afghan Hound: bathing, clipping and coat care

The Afghan Hound has a long and silky coat. See how we care for it in the salon, how often to visit and what to do at home.

SizeLarge
Weight20–27 kg
Height63–74 cm
CoatLong and silky
SheddingLow
Afghan Hound
Photo: Esparta (Flickr) · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

Breed facts

FCI groupGroup 10: Sighthounds
OriginAfghanistan
Weight20–27 kg
Height63–74 cm
Life expectancy12–14 years

Temperament

Dignified, independent and reserved; affectionate with the family.

History

An ancient breed from Afghanistan, used to hunt in mountains and plains.

Fun facts

It was the first dog successfully cloned: Snuppy, in 2005.

The Afghan Hound coat

A long, fine, silky coat that curls and tangles easily.

A long, silky coat that tangles easily: frequent brushing and care when the coat is wet.

What we do in the salon

We start by gently detangling the coat, bathe with a suitable shampoo and conditioner and dry thoroughly. You can keep the coat long or choose a practical cut (clipper and scissor trim, or a scissor cut).

Recommended services

  • Bathabout 1 h
  • Clipper & scissor trimabout 2 h
  • Scissor cutabout 2 h

How often?

Bathevery 3 to 4 weeks
Cut / upkeepA cut every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the length you prefer.

Care at home between visits

  1. Brush often (ideally every day) with a brush and comb, from root to tip.
  2. Pay attention to the places where tangles form: armpits, behind the ears, groin and belly.
  3. Trim the hair around the eyes and paws between visits if needed.
  4. Never wet a tangled coat: water tightens the knots. Detangle first.

Frequently asked questions about the Afghan Hound

Does the Afghan Hound shed a lot?

It sheds little. Even so, the coat can tangle or build up, so it should be brushed regularly.

How often should I bring my Afghan Hound to the salon?

In general, a bath every 3 to 4 weeks. A cut every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the length you prefer. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.

How long do a bath and a clip take?

When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.

Can I keep the coat long?

Yes, but it needs frequent brushing, ideally daily. If you cannot brush that regularly, a shorter cut is better for the skin.

Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.